Council chooses one keen teen for local economics committee

By: Dick Brinster
   EAST WINDSOR — It might have been appropriate had Amanda Duckworth worn a sweater bearing a big P — for poise.
   There she sat confidently, making her case to the Township Council for a position on the Economic Development Committee. Those in the room could have closed their eyes, absorbed the words and taken her for three times her tender 15 years.
   "I’ve had lots of practice with public speaking both in and out of school and I just don’t find the situation as intimidating as others might," the high school sophomore said of the presentation that resulted in her appointment last month. "I worked on my posture, eye contact, pitch, etc. throughout middle school, and eventually that was something that I didn’t need to focus on."
   So, only the issues were a concern Thursday night, when she took her seat as the first nonvoting student representative to an East Windsor Township board or commission. Amanda and Hightstown High School senior Kayla Malsbury, scheduled to join the Environmental Commission on Nov. 15, were chosen Oct. 24 after presentations to the council.
   "This is a program that we established to encourage student participation in our governmental process, believing that they can bring a fresh outlook to our local operations," Mayor Janice Mironov said.
   Amanda said she chose the EDC because she thought it would be a good foundation for a future career whether in government or law. She should bring an articulate point of view and certainly doesn’t figure to be bashful about stating an opinion.
   Among the most rewarding of this honor student’s experiences is being a member of the debate team at Notre Dame High School in Lawrence. She began debating as a freshman, not so surprising for a student who next semester plans to take a college-level history course and join the school newspaper, The Voice.
   "I worked on the negative side, which refuted the plan proposed by the affirmative team for the U.S. government to substantially increase the amount of searches and seizures under the Patriot Act," Amanda explained. "As a member of the negative team, you can never be quite sure what tactic the affirmative team will go with, so you have to know your information like the back of your hand."
   She even takes pride in defeat, noting a setback in her last debate this school year, when information needed by her team was not available because a student left school.
   "Me and my partner were left to face an excellent team with a provocative plan, devoid of all tangible information," she said. "Despite this, my partner and I gave it our all and only lost by a mere two points."
   Amanda doesn’t mind being an underdog. She attacks such a role with unwavering confidence.
   She overcame what were 3-1 odds to gain admission to Notre Dame after graduating from the Melvin H. Kreps Middle School.
   "Most Notre Dame applicants either come from private schools in the area and/or are siblings of past Notre Dame students, making my acceptance far from a sure thing," she said. "Ultimately, my preparation and hard work paid off and I was thrilled to be one of the 300 accepted students, out of over 900 total applicants."
   But Amanda doesn’t take all the credit for her accomplishments, pointing out that her father, Grover, a pharmaceuticals salesman, and stay-at-home mother, Ann Marie, have always provided excellent guidance.
   "My mom is the nicest, most patient person I know, and she teaches me to be kind and compassionate," Amanda said. "My dad has instilled in me a high standard of excellence, and is very intellectual. "He’s taught me to never settle for average."
   She also gets help from her 9-year-old brother.
   "Nick, always listens to my speeches and school presentations," Amanda said. "I remember a few years ago after I read him a draft of something, he told me it needed ‘a little more pizzazz.’ "
   It would be hard to convince the mayor that Amanda needs to add much of anything to her game.
   "She’s a superb model for positive energy in a young person," Ms. Mironov said. "We’re very proud to have a younger person present herself in such an outstanding manner who has so many interests and goals for her future."
   Next year, Amanda will begin to think seriously about a choice of colleges. For academic reasons, she’s leaning toward an Ivy League school. For logistical reasons, Princeton is among the favorites.
   She already has ideas about a career.
   "A dream job of mine is definitely that of a prosecuting attorney," Amanda said. "I’ve loved arguing ever since I could speak and have thought about a career as a lawyer for many years now."
   That’s not hard to believe, but even Amanda admits her greatest ambition might be a bit of reach.
   "Another dream occupation of mine would be that of the president of the United States," she said.
   Perhaps she could take the oath of office wearing the aforementioned sweater bearing the big P.